Because the shelter is home to a large variety of wild cats including cougars, bobcats and tigers, authorities said they are still trying to determine what species of cat turned on Ms Radziwon Chapman.

"It breaks your heart," the victim's neighbour, Mark Sodaro said.

Sgt Wurpes said detectives are now trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack.

On its website The WildCat Sanctuary promotes itself as a "last hope" for captive-born wildcats that have been neglected or abused.